Land Cruiser 40 Series

1960-1984 / SUV / Utility / Japan

All Land Cruiser 40 Series problems All workshop issues

Common Steering

Steering Box Excessive Play

Symptoms

The steering wheel has significant free play before the front wheels respond. At highway speeds, the vehicle wanders and requires constant correction. The steering feels vague and imprecise.

Cause

The recirculating ball steering box wears internally as the balls and worm gear develop play. The sector shaft bushings also wear. This is exacerbated by off-road use, particularly rock crawling and heavy corrugations that put lateral loads on the steering gear.

Fix

Adjust the steering box first: there is an adjustment screw on top of the box that takes up internal clearance.

If adjustment cannot reduce play to an acceptable level (less than 30 mm at the steering wheel rim), the box needs rebuilding or replacing.

Exchange reconditioned units are available ($400-800).

While you're at it, replace the tie rod ends, drag link ends, and relay rod, these all contribute to steering slop and are relatively cheap ($50-100 each).

Cost mentioned in fix

$400-800$50-100 each

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Other known issues

Minor Steering

Steering Damper Failure

Vibration or shimmy through the steering wheel at certain speeds. The steering feels harsh over bumps.

Critical Rust

Floor Pan Corrosion

The floor pans develop surface rust, then pitting, then perforation. In advanced cases, the driver can see the ground through the floor. The seat mounting points lose structural integrity.

Critical Rust

Firewall Rot

The firewall develops rust around penetrations, where the clutch master cylinder, brake master cylinder, wiring harnesses, and heater hoses pass through the bulkhead. In severe cases, the firewall becomes structurally compromised.

Critical Rust

Sill and Rocker Panel Decay

The sills (the structural members running along the bottom of the body below the doors) rust from the inside out. External paint may look fine while the interior is completely hollowed.

Critical Cooling System

Chronic Overheating (F and 2F Engines)

The temperature gauge climbs above normal under load, on hills, towing, or in slow traffic. In severe cases, the engine boils over and dumps coolant.

Common Cooling System

Diesel Engines and Cavitation

The B, 3B, H, and 2H diesels develop pinhole leaks in the cylinder liners and coolant passages. Coolant loss with no visible external leak. White residue around coolant hose connections.

View all 12 Land Cruiser 40 Series problems